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Reading and Leeds 2014: Best headphones, wireless speakers, tablets

From headphones you won't mind losing to phones with big batteries, here's our guide to the must-have kit for Reading and Leeds Festival 2014.

It's time to head for the campsite, but what should be on your packing checklist? Sure, you'll probably need the usual camping paraphernalia like sleeping bags and tents; some clothes for the weekend too, we'd suggest.

We're well aware you're at a festival to see your favourite acts perform, but there will be times late in the evening (or early in the morning) when you want to keep the party going. That's why we've pulled out a few must-have bits of kit to fit into your rucksack before you go.

Headphones:

It might seem a little bit anti-social to go to a mass gathering of music fans and then slip away into your own world by putting in the headphones, but let's face it – you'll need time out at some point. And we're well aware that sometimes, things get left behind at festivals.

That's why we've pulled together five sets of headphones that won't cost the earth – just in case...

Okay, so an unfamiliar brand name might not immediately persuade you but if you want some noise-cancelling cans for just £30 – that's £30 – then look no further. You'll soon be able to take a well-earned time out.

Wireless Speakers:

If your day is just beginning or you don't want it to end, a wireless speaker can get the party going at the back at your tent. Pair 'em up with your smartphone, tablet or other compatible device and you're good to go: these are the speakers that we reckon fit the bill best:

It might not sit at the uber-affordable end of the speaker market, but this is a plucky performer. It lasts 15 hours on a full charge and will even withstand the summer's inevitable rain showers.

More after the break

Big Battery Portables:

It's an all-too-familiar scene – despite your best efforts to resist the calls of modern life (especially with a World Cup going on), internet and message use has drained your battery and now you can't call the friend who is supposed to be taking you home. If only batteries were bigger, you cry!

Fear not – there are devices out there that'll give you a fighting chance of getting through the weekend with some battery remaining, with enough left over to get the tunes pumping as well:

Yes, the latest iteration of Sony's iconic Walkman is somewhat pricey but what you get in the NWZ-ZX1 is an impressive player that supports high-res audio and – Sony says – up to 32 hours of playback. Stamina.

The second edition of the Pure Digital One Mini has now emerged, but if it's anything like this gem, you'll be in for a treat of a DAB/FM radio. You needn't miss an episode of The Archers this summer...

Apps:

From streaming your favourite music back at the tent, to stealing an hour for the latest House of Cards and following the World Cup (if you're at Glastonbury), here are our pick of the best apps to download to your device before you leave your home.

The 'Swiss Army Knife' of apps, this is a one-stop shop for all your festival needs. It has a navigational element, a weather function and more – you can even set a marker at your tent and it'll tell you how far you need to stagger back.

Find My Friends

Android and iOS, Free

You like one act and your friends like another – you're separated and suddenly you're not able to find each other. With this app, you can locate your pals – but it does rather depend on them having the app.

Met Office

Android and iOS, Free

You might as well come to terms with it now – it's festival season and therefore rain will be a feature of your weekend. But escape the showers with the Met Office's handy app that offers location-based forecasts.

Sleep Pillow

iOS, Free

At some point, you are going to want to get some shut-eye. But it's not going to be easy with all the goings on around you. Sleep Pillow is one of many apps that'll help you get your forty winks on the campsite.